What I Learned From Being A Teacher's Aid

Growing up, my studio held a lot of activities to connect younger and older dancers. We were assigned buddies from younger levels, had Valentine’s Day parties, and were encouraged to always look out for the little ballerina’s peeking their heads in the door. From a young age, I wanted to be as helpful as I could to the dancers in pink leotards and leather shoes. Even though I couldn’t have been that much older, I had so much to tell these tiny people. Think of the Nutcracker roles they had to look forward to! Pointe shoes! Steps they hadn’t been taught yet!

So you can imagine my excitement when, at age 11, I was given the chance to become a teacher’s aid for a tiny tot ballet class. I felt so much older than them: so responsible and so wise. In reality, I served as a demonstrator for my teacher, who was no doubt tired from teaching multiple classes and taking care of her own kids at home.

I loved being a teacher’s aid. I ate up every demonstration, every chance I had to correct technique, and every bond I formed with a younger kid. I continued aiding classes for the next 4 years. The age of the students increased, as well as my understanding of how to teach and encourage. I had a wonderful example set for me by my teachers at San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, and they were kind enough to support my want to aid as many classes as I could, and even trusted me to begin classes in the event a teacher was late.

When I moved studios, I took a year long hiatus from aiding. It was an absence I could feel, and I missed teaching during this transition. As I settled in at City Ballet, I was given opportunities to sub classes, marking the first time I was paid to teach. I felt empowered by my previous experience as a teacher’s aid and was confident in my ability to lead class regardless of the age of the students.

What began as a leadership activity when I was in middle school ended up being invaluable a few years later. I used my time as a teacher’s aid as volunteer hours on college applications, as an anecdote in my personal statement, and as a resume builder. I went on to leverage my experience and land a teaching job at a studio near my university during my freshman year and to work as a Resident Assistant with American Ballet Theatre during the summer.

I still have drawings and small gifts from baby ballerina’s I helped look after nearly a decade ago. And they still make me smile.

To all young dancers, here’s what I learned from being a teacher’s aid:

Dance is About Community.

All those tiny dancers? They’re teenagers now, attending summer intensives, going to homecoming, and taking the dance world by storm! You will run into them again and they will remember the kindness you showed them at a young age. One day, they’ll be your colleagues and friends! And your teachers? They’re invested in you! Not only as a dancer, but as a person. It is through class that you are able to build their trust; your hard work now can come back as a leading role, a letter of recommendation, and a lifelong mentor!

Fear is Learned, and It Will Hold You Back.

Being a teacher’s aid taught me that there are 4 year olds that can do double pirouettes simply because no one has ever told them it’s hard. Children are naturally curious and daring, and as we grow, we lose some of this sense of exploration. Be inspired by the younger dancers at your studio and watch what they are willing to try. Allow their moxie to motivate you to bring risk into your art form. Dance IS a serious art, but dancer’s do not have to take themselves seriously all the time. Observe the freedom with which children dance and give yourself permission to let it impact you!

You are Not a Perfect Dancer, and Will Never Be. That’s Great!

Did you fall over trying to demonstrate a tendu to a 6 year old? It happens. Aiding a younger class reminds you of the foundation on which you built your technique. It can be very revealing of your weaknesses and it can be difficult to do a step imperfectly in front of someone you want to admire you. It is important to remember that younger dancers admire you not because you are perfect, but because you persevere. Even though you may not be perfect, you are dedicated and have become advanced! Share your imperfections with those who look up to you, and inspire them to work toward consistency. Cheer them on and see how your confidence soars as well!

Being a teacher’s aid is something I would recommend to any middle school or high school aged dancer looking to be more involved in their studio’s community and in their art. Ask your teacher if there are any opportunities to help out in a lower level class and treasure the bonds you create!

(Here's small me in one of my first performances! I clearly remember having both a teacher and a teacher's aid for this class!)